Defining characteristics are the unique traits or features that distinguish one entity from another. These traits can be physical, behavioral, or conceptual, and they help to identify and categorize objects, organisms, or ideas. For example, the defining characteristics of a dog include its ability to bark, its four-legged structure, and its loyalty to humans. In scientific classification, defining characteristics are crucial for taxonomy, which is the process of naming and grouping organisms. Each species, such as the African elephant, has specific defining characteristics that set it apart from other species, like its large ears and trunk, which are essential for its survival in the wild.